You want me to use cloth what???!!!

Telling people that you use cloth diapers will inevitably involve receiving the occasional glance that screams, "You're CRAZY!"  But, when you tell someone that you also use cloth wipes, they will know that you are.  However, let's think about this handy little accessory that so many people don't consider...and more should.

Whether or not you're worried about saving the environment or saving your money, cloth wipes make sense.  When you use anywhere from one wipe to the entire package just to clean Baby's bottom, you're just tossing waste and money into the garbage...not to mention putting unneeded chemicals onto Baby's bottom.  Cloth wipes are an amazing tool that most people don't even think about.  Not only are they reusable, but they cost next to nothing to either make or buy.  They are also much more efficient at cleaning that precious little bottom since they act more like a washcloth (which you can also use as wipes) than a regular wipe.

When I first started changing my baby's diapers, I noticed that the traditional, disposable wipes seemed to just move the mess around.  They also weren't absorbent when Baby began to poop or pee during the diaper change - thus leading to an even bigger mess to clean.  Baby also developed diaper rash nearly every other day despite constant diaper changes.

Once I switched to cloth wipes, I found that they were much more efficient at cleaning those messy diapers and I was able to use the wipes to absorb anything that came my way during the change.  I also noticed that, with the use of cloth wipes and just water or a shampoo/water mixture in one of the foaming soap containers, Baby's diaper rash was non-existent.

While I still travel with the traditional disposable wipes (due to ease of always having enough for any diaper change),  I have managed to only go through a very minimal amount of disposable wipes in seven months and only purchased four dozen wipes (more than enough to last until a load of diapers needs to be washed).  I wash the wipes with the diapers (in the same detergent and on a heavy duty cycle), but they have managed to keep their absorbency and quality build for the past seven months.  I foresee that they will last me a much longer time.


If you liked this post, be sure to check out some of my favorite cloth wipes, the two-sided cloth wipes, at Green Mountain Diapers.

Romancing Mom

Let's face it, life after a baby completely changes the way we (moms) act, think, and look at life...and romance.  Gone are the days when I hope my husband comes home with flowers and sweeps me off my feet like is so commonly seen in romance movies.  No, the very notion of romance has completely evolved into something else in my new, crazy life as a mother.

I'm not saying that romance is gone.  Quite the opposite...romance is still very present and needed in my life.  However, it's different.  A friend of mine once showed me the book Porn for New Moms.  I didn't completely understand it at the time (I hadn't yet had children), but it made me laugh.  The very thought of a man coming home and offering to take the baby so that mom can get a bath or go out with girlfriends seemed ridiculous.  Now, I completely understand the concept!

As a mom, we want romance.  But, what really is romance?  I think that it's feeling appreciated for the person we are and feeling as though we're a part of a team.  I want my husband to look at me and know exactly what I'm feeling and what I need without having to tell him.  As a mother, I crave feeling like an adult, but so often my life don't allow this.

When my husband comes home and offers to take Baby or when he knows there's a poopy diaper yet doesn't hand her back to me, this is romance.  He is recognizing that he too is a part of our relationship and respecting the fact that I've been home all day with Baby - unable to have anyone else help with her care.  By giving me a minimum of five minutes alone (not changing a diaper or being spit up on), I feel closer to my husband than if he were to bring home a dozen roses (Sweetie, if you're reading this, just know that a dozen roses will always be accepted).  The more ways that my husband helps, the sexier he becomes to me.  And, saying this as tactfully as I can, the sexier my husband is, the more my response isn't going to be "I just want to go to sleep" when he asks me what I want to do that evening.

With all this in mind.  I've made a list of the things that are romantic to me.  Be sure to leave a comment with how you like to be romanced.

1. A home-cooked meal (that I didn't prepare)
2. A surprise babysitter (that I didn't have to schedule)
3. The hubby watches Baby while I go out with girlfriends
4. A surprise back massage because my husband realizes I've been carrying Baby around all day
5. The hubby watches Baby so I can get a bath
6. Daddy reading to Baby
7. Daddy interacting with Baby
8. The hubby folding a load of diapers or baby clothes (or any other load of laundry)
9. A daddy who attempts to accessorize his daughter
10. A daddy who has fallen asleep with Baby so that Mommy could do other work

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I may have spit up all over me, but at least I'm wearing heels

We all have things that make us feel gorgeous.  For me, it's shoes.  I have lots of "happy" shoes.  My husband has never quite understood the fact that the right pair of shoes can make me feel great!  They may be my bright pink moccasins or my Audrey Hepburn red heels with a bow on the toe, or they may be the brightly colored, fuzzy slippers that are oh-so-comfortable.  Whichever shoe I'm in the mood for, my emotion changes the second I put it on.  I go from being down-in-the-dumps to happy and excited for the day to come.

My "Happy" Shoes

Pregnancy, both pre-natal and post-partum, is a time of emotional highs and lows.  People say stupid things to us (that's a separate blog issue), we gain weight, hair grows in odd places, we lose hair, our skin changes, and we have these lovely lines developing on our bodies.  Basically, a lot of things we didn't know would happen - or didn't think would happen - occur.  During nine months of pregnancy and many, many, many months (or years) afterwards, we develop a self-consciousness about ourselves and our bodies.  It's not the body we're used to.  Our body becomes alien to us.

The good news is that we can still feel good while going through all these changes.  For you, it may not be wearing the right pair of shoes.  It may be taking the time to fix your hair, painting your toes, reading a good book, watching your favorite TV show, going to your favorite restaurant, or any other thing that makes you happy.  It doesn't have to be expensive, but it has to be for you.

Finding the time to have even the tiniest bit of focus on yourself can do amazing things for your emotional state.  Not only will you feel better about yourself - and all of the changes occurring - but this attitude will emanate to your family.

Some rainy day you might see me walking into the coffee shop: I didn't have time to take a shower and I have spit up running down the side of my sweater.  Take a look at my shoes and you'll know that I've decided to take control of my emotions and all the chaos in my life.  What have you found that changes your attitudes and makes you happy?  Be sure to leave a comment below!

Snappies

Every once in a while, I find a piece of technology that ultimately changes the way I think about life.  In the '80s, it was my crimper.  In the '90s, it was my walkman.  In the '00s, it was Frizz-Ease and hair straightners.  Now that I'm a mom, this new technology that has revolutionized my life is the Snappi.

When most people think about cloth diapering, they think about diaper pins to hold the diaper together.  Well, you no longer have to fumble around, worrying that you're going to prick either yourself or your little, squirmy bundle of joy.  In come Snappies...these are your easy-to-use, can't-live-without, diapering accessory for anyone that is using prefolds and diaper covers. 

Snappies look like a "T" with Ace bandage claws at each end.  After angel folding your diaper, you simply grip the Snappi to one side, then the opposite side, and then down the center.  It's really as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!  The Snappi allows for easy adjustment of the prefold in order to attain a snug fit and; therefore, limited leaks.  Giving you a great first barrier to anything Baby has (beginning with those first month breastmilk poops to the solid food stages).

What's even better is that Snappies are economical.  You can purchase a 3-pack of Snappies for less than $8.  And, this 3-pack will last you until you need to buy the next size (there are two sizes: infant and toddler).  You'll also save money while these fasteners are helping to contain leaks since you won't need as many covers!

This may seem like such a simple piece of technology - or not even a technology at all - but I can guarantee they will revolutionize your cloth diapering experience.



If you're interested in purchasing Snappies, check these out:

              

So, you're thinking about trying...

Let's face it, staying in shape can seem like an impossible task.  Then, you add the thought of growing another human being inside you - plus all the hormones involved with that - and staying in shape is one of the last things we think about.

Thankfully, there are other people out there who are able to help us!  This is where my friend, and health counselor, Michelle comes in.  Michelle has been counseling men and women around the country about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Now, Michelle is bringing her knowledge and experience to any woman who is thinking about pregnancy, is pregnant, or wants to get pregnant again. Be sure to sign up for Michelle's latest e-course, Building a Baby Ready Body.  This course is sure to provide you with information about how to properly care for your body as you begin to consider pregnancy. 

While you're on Michelle's site, be sure to check out some of her phenomenal recipes.  She's got some amazing foods that are sure to cure any pregnant woman's cravings...my favorites being the crispy kale chips and the red velvet coconut muffins.

Breastfeeding: Top 10

I've had several requests for another post about breastfeeding.  So, here it is!

Before having a baby, I thought that breastfeeding was going to be easy.  After all, it's an innate practice of all mammals.  How hard can it really be?  Now, after seven months of breastfeeding, I can tell you that it is not easy.  BUT, the good news is, it gets easier!  


As I've mentioned in previous blogs, I had a horrible time beginning with breastfeeding.  It was extremely painful and I dreaded nursing times.  I felt like a horrible mom.  I didn't want to feed my child because I knew the pain that I was going to have to endure.  There are moments - through pure exhaustion - when I couldn't control myself and screamed.  Thankfully, I had a husband who was supportive and continued to encourage me and provide all of the support that he could in the form of talking to me, rubbing my back and shoulders, and assuring me that things would get better.

We all know that breastmilk is the absolute best nutrition that we can offer to our infants.  If you've read anything about formula, you'll see that it is constantly changing.  New additions are being added every year to try to add that one more ingredient that will make it just as good as the real deal.  But, year after year, they find out that it still isn't close.  There is just something about our bodies that knows how to properly nurture our baby.

Thankfully, more and more milk bank locations are opening around the U.S. to help out women who are unable to nurse their babies.  These milk banks also accept donations from anyone who has been pre-screened and has over 100 ounces of milk to donate.  If you're unable to nurse, it may be something you check into.

For those who are able and wanting to nurse, but are having difficulties, here are my top 10 suggestions:

1. Relax!
2. Find help - either in the form of an encouraging doctor, nurse, lactation specialist, or friend.
3. Realize that there is no science to nursing.  It's an art, so it's not the same for every woman or baby.  Find your own groove!
4. Don't be afraid to ask for second opinions.  The more you know, the more you can adjust your own style.
5. Talk to other moms - you'll realize you're not alone!
6. Do it in the shower!  Now, the "it" I'm referring to is nursing.  My shower has a seat in it where I was able to sit and relax.  The steam helped the milk let down and my baby was calmed by the warmth of the shower and being skin to skin with me.
7. Use nipple creams or your own breastmilk to heal your nipples.
8. If it becomes too painful, go to your doctor to verify you don't have an infection or other problem.
9. Try different positions.
10. If you must go to bottle feeding, don't feel bad.  Nursing does not make you a great mom; the fact you're trying everything to make sure your baby gets the best is what makes you already a great mom!

From Pumping Iron to Pumping...Baby?

Exercise can either be a good or bad thing depending on your personality, past experiences, and lifestyle.  But, there's no doubt that exercise, whether you like it or not, is a fact of life once you become a parent.

The first few weeks after we brought Baby home, the only way to calm her was to walk up and down the stairs in our house.  We did this over and over and over - all through the day and the night.  My husband and I would take turns and our calves turned into rock solid muscle.  As Baby began to get bored with the stairs, I had to develop some creativity.  We would bounce on the ball (a core balancing exercise), do sit ups on the ball (an ab/oblique workout), and even do squats against the wall with the ball (a quad/hamstring/glute workout).  As Baby grew and gained more weight, my biceps and triceps developed into a sculpted phenomenon of which I had only previously dreamed.  I even managed to work in some deltoid/rhomboid/trap (shoulder and upper back) action while entertaining Baby.  I was working out every major muscle system in my body.

I managed to disguise my workouts into Baby-pleasing activities that not only helped me lose the weight I had gained, but also allowed parts of my body to develop more than when I had been practicing sports on a regular basis.  And, this time it was fun and functional!  Baby was happy, I was happy - making my entire family happy! 

So, if you're having a hard time motivating yourself to lose those extra pounds from your baby, why not think about adding Baby into your exercise routine?  Those little smiles you get will help keep you motivated and on track.  If they don't, find a friend to go on a walk with.  Enjoy the last few days of nice weather before winter sets in.  Not only will you be helping your body, but you'll be teaching your child a valuable lesson in wellness.




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The Challenge of Old McDonald

I am someone who loves to be challenged.  I have to continually be learning new things in order to feel as though I'm being used to my fullest potential.  In my career, I search for innovations that need to be made, problems that need to be solved, and ways that I can continue to climb the corporate ladder in order to feel valued by my colleagues and clients.  Maybe you're the same way?

When I first became a mom, I was faced with many challenges; however, I didn't recognize them as challenges.  I thought that these were mistakes within my own abilities at being a mom.  I thought that I was doing the wrong things.  I thought that I was a failure.  But, I was wrong.

Learning how to recognize the challenges of motherhood is important in order to properly face each challenge.  The challenges begin with the simple task of recognizing the basic needs of Baby.  When is he/she hungry, sleepy, gassy, dirty, bored, cold, etc.?  These are the small challenges and, if you pay attention, you eventually figure them out.  The riddle is solved! But, the challenges get bigger and bigger with each day.  And, with each new challenge comes new innovations, new solutions, and greater mom intelligence.

Someone might see a mom singing "Old McDonald" to her child and think that this is an easy task.  But, I beg to differ. That mom probably isn't just singing a simple song to her child.  No, she is handling a larger responsibility.  She is educating, entertaining, creating imagination, communicating, counseling, and more.  With one song, a mother can successfully fulfill many of the child's needs.

The wonder of it all...years from now, no one is going to remember the projects that I designed at work.  My clients may not remember my name.  My colleagues will retire.  I will be forgotten.  But, during the minutes it takes me to sing a simple song to my child, I have conquered the world.  I have taught my child what it means to be a mom, to laugh, smile, and love.  What greater challenge is there?



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Establishing a Potty Routine

None of us really remember how we learned to go to the bathroom.  To us, it's simpler than almost any other function we do.  But, when you have a child all of that changes.
Now, most of you probably think that this blog is going to be about potty training your child.  Well, it's not.  Let's face it; there's a lot that needs to be learned about "going potty" even before you get to potty training.  I won't get into the details of going to the bathroom after delivery...I don't want to scare away any blog readers who haven't yet had children.  No, let's talk about going to the bathroom when you have nowhere to put Baby.  The obvious decision is then to retrain yourself in how to go to the bathroom with Baby.

As women, we know how to effectively use public restrooms.  We can hover, squat, and maneuver our bodies into positions so that we never have to touch the toilet seat.  But, you add a child to this equation and things become a little bit more difficult.  Usually, you hope to have someone you know who can hold Baby while you go to the bathroom by yourself.  However, this isn't always a possibility.  You might try to "hold it" until you return to the privacy of your own home so that you can put Baby in his/her crib or somewhere that you trust and know is clean.  But, there will undoubtedly be those times when you must use a public restroom by yourself with Baby. 

Some public restrooms are considerate of their customers who are mothers.  They include the changing table in the handicap stall so that you can secure the younger babies while you use the restroom.  Other restroom designers do not consider this difficulty - most certainly these designers are men.  They either install the changing table so that it opens directly over the toilet or they do not have a stall where you can put Baby somewhere while you do your thing.  This is when we, as mothers, must become creative.

I'm not a person who trusts public restrooms.  While some may appear to be clean, I will never sit my child on the floor - even for the necessity of emptying my bladder.  I'd rather risk embarrassment dancing the "potty dance"!  So, the only other possibility is learning how to properly use the restroom with your child.  Here are my pointers:

1. While Baby is still able to fit into a pumpkin seat, always bring it into the restroom with you.  You can safely put Baby in the seat while you do your thing.

2. Learning to maneuver yourself so that you can potty while holding Baby on your knees is important.  Note: Baby should sit facing away from you for greatest ease.  Baby carriers may be used with smaller children.

3. Teaching Baby not to look under the stall is important.  Singing songs to entertain them is never a bad thing.  It keeps them occupied!  If other restroom users look at you strangely, you will know that they are not or were never mothers.  Don't let them bother you.  They may eventually learn this art.

4. Most importantly, recognize the fact that you are a great mom.  Learning to take care of your own bodily needs while still taking care of your child/children, is an art and a skill that is difficult to develop.  You will face problems at first, but they will be overcome!

So, good luck in your endeavors!  Feel free to leave your potty tips in the comments!